Nickell Robey

Combine Results

Grade

4.53 SEC

10 REPS

37.5 INCH

127.0 INCH

6.74 SEC

4.09 SEC

Draft Analysis:

5'7" Height

29 3/4" Arm Length

169LBS. Weight

9 1/8" Hands

Overview

Robey’s cousin is Carlton Thomas, was a tailback at Georgia (2009-11). In his senior year of high school, Robey had 764 yards on 88 carries (8.9 avg.) with nine touchdowns and caught 17 passes for 232 yards (13.7 avg.) with six touchdowns on offense, had 73 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles on defense and averaged 17.1 yards on eight punt returns and 34.7 yards on seven kickoff returns. He also played baseball and track. At USC, Robey was a long jumper and sprinter on USC's track team. He had a 2012 season-best of 23-11 ½ to finish second in the long jump at the USC-UCLA Dual Meet. He joined with fellow footballers D.J. Morgan, Marqise Lee and Tony Burnett on a sprint relay quartet that ran 41.05 for third place at the 2012 Rossi Relays.

Robey got on the field right away as a freshman, and started in all 13 games. He managed 48 tackles, four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and four passes defended. Robey once again started every game as a sophomore, and was selected to the All-Pac 12 first team after he made 63 tackles (5.5 for loss, and two sacks), two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and a team high nine passes defended. In his junior season, Robey started all 13 games. He registered 52 tackles, four pass breakups, and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown. He was named second-team All-Pac 12.

Analysis

Strengths

Extremely fluid athlete. Smooth in turning his hips. Very light, quick feet. Agile. Reads the quarterback well and has quick reactions to receiver's movements. More physical than you'd expect at his size. Aggressive in the run game. Good ball skills.

Weaknesses

Frail build, likely limited to playing inside in the NFL. While he is physical, his hand usage isn't ideal, and he can still be pushed around by bigger, stronger receivers. Gets burned by gambling too much, overreacts to head fakes and jukes by receivers. Has trouble taking on blocks, tries to run around them. Will get sloppy with his tackling technique, and isn't strong enough to compensate.

NFL Comparison

Captain Munnerlyn

Bottom Line

Robey is tremendously undersized, but he's been one of the better cover cornerbacks in the NCAA the past few seasons. Despite his size, Robey is willing to be physical, and he has a good athletic skill set. However, his limitations will likely keep him on the board until the middle of the draft.

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Grade

Title

Draft (Round)

Description

96-100

Future Hall of Famer

Top Pick

A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played

85-95

Immediate Starter

1st

An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).

70-84

Eventual Starter

2nd-3rd

A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.

50-69

Draftable Player

4th-7th

A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.

20-49

Free Agent

UDFA

A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.